Bassett also chucked a 19-yard touchdown in Littleton's commanding, 32-point first quarter.

Three plays later, Bassett high-stepped his way into the end zone with a 4-yard touchdown with 9:42 remaining in the opening quarter.

"Ayer-Shirley had some ball security issues early in the game. As a result, we were able to capitalize with a couple quick scores," said Littleton head coach Mike Lynn. "This is the best defense we've had in my 14 years here. We were rock-solid again today."

Littleton continued to put the pressure on Ayer Shirley, as the Panthers fumbled again -- their second in just three plays. Chris Renaccio (7 carries, 64 yards, TD) capped off the five-play, 28-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown plunge off left tackle.

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Anthony Rausa dove in with the 2-point conversion to make it 16-0.

Littleton's final touchdown of the first quarter came on a scoop-and-score by senior captain linebacker Joey DeCoste, who scampered 38-yards down the Ayer Shirley sideline untouched to make it 32-0 following the 2-point conversion rush by Steve Collins, who was 3 for 3 on 2-point conversions.

"We are certainly disappointed with how the game turned out," Ayer Shirley first-year head coach Phil Marchegiani said. "We didn't execute the way we would have liked. When you play a great team, such as Littleton, you can't turn the ball over like that."

Littleton's dominance continued in the second quarter, as the Ayer Shirley offense sputtered to the tune of 98 yards of total offense in the half -- 76 yards of which came on two long receptions from senior wide receiver Austin Schmalz.

Schmalz's 43-yard reception from sophomore quarterback Steven Lawton set up first-and-goal from the Littleton 2-yard line for the Panthers.

However, the fumble bug kept the Panthers out of the end zone again, as Zach Patton had the ball dislodged and Bassett picked it up. Bassett ran all the way to the other end zone, but the play was called back due to a block-in-the-back penalty, ending the half.

The Tigers went into the half leading 40-0, looking like a team with something to prove after falling to West Boylston in the Central Mass. Division 6 semifinals.

Bassett capped off the opening drive of the second half -- a seven-play, 58-yard march -- with a 2-yard touchdown rush to round out the scoring for Littleton with 8:36 remaining in the third.

Ayer Shirley senior running back Kyler Hamilton broke a 24-yard touchdown run down the left sideline to help the Panthers elude the shutout. His younger brother, Jaden Hamilton, hauled in the 2-point conversion with 5:30 left in the game.

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